ALBORNS WALK

ABOUT THIS TRACK

This loop walk starts from the car park 9 km along Soldiers – Big River Road, which leaves the Reefton highway (SH7) just south of town.

Scattered among old coal-mine workings, you will find remains of makeshift winch equipment, including an old Leyland lorry. You will also see distinctive coal-measure vegetation and views of the Victoria and Paparoa ranges. 

The track is a loop which, if following clockwise, takes you along an initial flat tramway that soon rises very steeply, before passing a series of abandoned mines. At the first mine, the old Alborns loop track can be seen to the right/south - this is now closed. The route turns left, crosses some small bridges/boardwalks, and you emerge at Fossicker’s Lake. A large orange triangle marker indicates the entry to the bush again, and the trail to the Leyland Engine at the top of the hill. You then descend the old coal incline (which can be slippery, take care), pass the old coal bins site, and eventually return to the junction to complete the loop and return to the carpark. The Alborns loop is signposted at 1.5 hours, though at a quick pace you can complete it in 30 min. 

You can connect with the Fossickers Lake Track from this walk.

Dogs allowed with DOC permit.

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LATEST TRACK INFORMATION

Track generally good nick despite the recent rain.

INFORMATION LAST UPDATED:

Track information: 2 September 2026

Photos: 2 September 2026